Viravong will be new boys’ soccer coach

Following one of the best seasons in Newton soccer history for both the boys and girls teams, the man that led the girls to within one win of qualifying for the state tournament has decided to take on a new challenge.

Sackda Viravong will take over as the new head coach of the boys soccer team, effective at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. Viravong guided the program to a 57-28 record in his five seasons as the Cardinals’ head coach, including two Little Hawkeye Conference titles. Viravong also spent six years coaching Grinnell’s girls team, accumulating an additional 50 victories.

“This was a very difficult decision for me because I had such an amazing time coaching and working with my players,” Viravong said. “It was my pleasure to coach so many talented, smart and hardworking players on the girls soccer team at Newton. I would like to thank everyone, and I hope that I’ll continue to receive the support as I transition to the boys team.”